Coronavirus: Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed visits Abu Dhabi drive-through testing centre

Officials reveal more than 700,000 tests have been conducted at the screening centres in the capital

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed visits a drive-through testing centre in Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Khalid visits a drive-through testing centre in Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Khalid visits a drive-through testing centre in Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Khalid visits a drive-through testing centre in Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed toured an Abu Dhabi drive-through coronavirus screening centre as it was revealed more than 700,000 tests had been conducted at mobile clinics across the capital.

Sheikh Khalid, chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive office and a member of the Executive Council, was told the pop-up centres have played a crucial role in limiting the spread of the virus in recent months.

Officials briefed Sheikh Khalid on the success of the mass-screening strategy during a visit to the testing site at the Corniche, operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha).

Sheikh Khalid praised all who had contributed to the UAE capital’s extensive screening campaign.

Of more than 700,000 tests conducted, 61 per cent were taken by Emiratis.

Free screening was offered to many segments of society, including pregnant women, people with disabilities and those displaying symptoms or who had been near Covid-19 patients.

The centres – staffed by more than 900 people – were launched in response to a directive in April by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Seha’s chairman, Salem Al Noaimi, said health authorities worked in tandem with the country’s leaders to develop a robust response to a global crisis.

“Our wise leaders have empowered the healthcare sector to deliver an effective response to Covid-19 by providing their unwavering commitment and support,” he said.

“Enabled by this steadfast leadership, our staff have been on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic and have risen to the challenge admirably. Testing is one of the most important measures, and the drive-through centres established by Seha have been crucial in protecting the community.”

Seha has established 24 testing centres across the Emirates to fight Covid-19.

About 3.5 million tests have been conducted in the country since the outbreak began.